Family is important. The most important thing in your life. Sometimes we lose sight of that. Work and being busy takes over our life and it isn't until we are looking face to face with a crisis that we take note of what is going on.

The freedom to choose our own path in life is so important. We sometimes as a parent or boss think that we know best, and perhaps we do, but our truth is not another persons truth. We must lay out the facts and allow the person to make that choice; for better or for worse. We learn nothing if all choices are made for us. Sometimes we must make that wrong choice and learn from the mistakes we make. It is not easy but hopefully we can persevere and be a better person because of it.

Most of us want so desperately to protect our family that we become the helicopter parent that allows not a mistake to be made. We think in our infinite wisdom that we know better. It is easier because we are busy and think that we can control things better. I know this is me to a degree.

The one thing I do know is that each day we can start again. To take the lessons that we have learned, apply it to our present situation, and go forth without judging ourselves for our past. We do the best we can with the knowledge that we have at the time. All decisions for our family are made from a place of love. If all involved can remember this, then forgiveness, love and understanding is sure to follow.

We all love our family and want only the best for them, regardless of whether we think their decisions are right or wrong. It is their right to choose their own path. If the choice is not the best for them, and they ask for our help, then we can offer an alternative solution. But ultimately the choice for all of us must be our own. No good change ever comes from people being forced to choose a path that they themselves have not chosen. Because choice is a powerful tool that enables us to become that which we esteem to be.